Tools of radio astronomy

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This 6th edition of “Tools of Radio Astronomy” has been revised to reflect the current state of radio astronomy, incorporating advancements such as satellite technology, low radio frequencies, and the millimeter/sub-mm universe. It addresses the Cosmic Microwave Background and highlights the growing significance of mm/sub-mm dust emission. Key technical aspects, including receiver noise, the Hertz dipole, and beam forming, have been updated and expanded to align with technological progress. The discussion on interferometers and aperture synthesis has also been broadened due to the wider bandwidths of the Jansky-VLA and long wave arrays like LOFAR and ALMA. Developments in data reduction algorithms are included, alongside a revisited analysis of solar system radio astronomy, dust emission, and radio supernovae, reflecting the vast data collected over the past two decades. Chapters on spectral line emission now cover measurements of neutral hydrogen radiation from the early universe and updates with new facilities. The exploration of molecules in interstellar space has been expanded to include emissions from protostars and cold regions. Additionally, several worked examples in fundamental physics, such as pulsars, have been added. This edition is valuable for both students and practicing astronomers.